Julian A. Galaura Jr.

Philo I | Diocese of Talibon

How can Theology serve Philosophy?

Middle Ages would propose the maxim, “Philosophia ancilla theologiae” or “Philosophy as
the handmaid of Theology”. This means that philosophical thinking serves as an instrument in
answering theological inquires. Just like how Mathematics has become a tool for Physics, and how
ogic has become a tool for Philosophy. Thus, Philosophy is truly of great importance to Theology.
In fact, this is the primary reason why seminary formation begins with formal philosophical
education before immersing into Theology. However, what happens if we do the other way
around? What if Theology becomes a servant of Philosophy? Is it possible? Is there in any way,
Theology can serve Philosophy?
THEOLOGY ENTERS WHEN PHILOSOPHY ENDS
The quest for truth has always been very interesting. Philosophy alone they say can answer
all questions concerning truth. In fact, the classical definition of Philosophy is science of everything
in their first causes using the aid of reason. Thus, it covers literally everything. However, what if
Philosophy ends? Could It end? Or perhaps, what are its limitations? First of all, we must bear in
mind that Philosophy uses human reason and intellect in its queries. And human reason needs to
depend on the senses to rationalize. As what, Aristotle says which was adapted by St. Thomas
Aquinas, “Nothing is in the intellect that was not first in the senses.”1 With this, we can say that in
the realm of philosophy, the senses are avenues for the acquisition of truth. However, let us not
forget that there are things that are beyond the ambit of the senses and thus, reason. There are
things that cannot be comprehended by our senses. Perhaps the most concrete examples of which
are divine entities like the spirits, angels, and God himself. And, it is in these boundaries, where
theology comes in. Theology and its data help philosophy soar beyond its proper limitations for
even when philosophy and natural reason has the tendency to transcend its own limitations, it
cannot for that is the facticity of its limitedness. Now, theology and the light of faith does not
destroy this facticity but rather helps reason to actualize this tendency.
One concrete example where I can apply the claim is the dilemma of Jesus Christ as God
and his experience of suffering. It is quite obvious in the scriptures that though He is a God, Jesus
suffered. In the gospel of Matthew, it is mentioned that Jesus felt the pressure of being about to
be crucified, “Jesus said, going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My
Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”2 Moreover,
in the same gospel, “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama
sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”3 Thus, it is very clear
that indeed Jesus Christ himself suffered. Philosophy may ask, how can a God suffer? This reality
on the nature of Jesus Christ is irreconcilable when we use philosophy alone. How can a perfect
being suffer? We can never reconcile the problem using pure reason because as per the nature of

1
St Thomas Aquinas, OP, De veritate, q. 2 a. 3 arg. 19.
2
Matthew 26:39
3
Matthew 27:46
Julian A. Galaura Jr.
Philo I | Diocese of Talibon

God, using via negatiba, we have known that He is perfect and eternal that he can never
experience human emotions, including suffer. But why such? This is where Theology enters. God
suffers because our faith tells us to that he is true God and true man,

The unique and altogether singular event of Incarnation of the Son of God does not
mean that Jesus Christ is part God and part man, nor does imply that he is a result of a
confused mixture of divine and the human. He became truly man while remaining truly
God. Jesus Christ is true God and true man.4

Now, one may further ask a question, how can a God become a man? Still, with
philosophy we cannot answer that but with Theology we can answer that by saying that the
nature of God is mysterious, and that is one of the mysteries of faith. Therefore, with the aid of
Theology, Philosophy understands these questions.
THEOLOGICAL QUERIES OPEN PHILOSOPHICAL FRONTIERS
Theology in my analysis doesn’t only answer queries beyond the reach of Philosophy, but
also opens opportunity for philosophical arguments to flourish. When someone asks for a
theological question, whether he likes it or not, he will be able to use reason within the process
of answering the question. One concrete example for this case is what St. Thomas Aquinas did.
Fr. Jose Antonio Aureada, OP in his talk, “Fides et Ratio: Friends or Foes” repeatedly asserted
that St. Thomas Aquinas is a Theologian and his queries where primarily “theological”. But how
did he become a Philosopher? That is because it he used philosophical principles to answer his
theological queries. Thus, it is clear to us that the Angelic Doctor has started with theological
questions before opening the doors for philosophical methods to flourished within the duration
of his inquiry.
CONCLUSION
With this paper, the maxim, “Philosophy as the handmaid of Theology” actually may be
revised and become, “Theology can help Philosophy”. Truly, we can say that ratio when left
alone is not enough in the acquisition of truth and fides is also very important. St. John Paul II
was indeed right when he said that, “Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human
spirit rises to the contemplation of truth.”

4
CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on
Catechesis and Catholic Education/Word and Life Publications. 1994. p. 130.